Ameliorating Effect of Microvascular Decompression on Patients with Coexistence of Hemifacial Spasm and Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: Microvascular decompression (MVD) has been widely accepted for treating hemifacial spasm (HFS) and glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GN); an effective surgical treatment of coexistent HFS and GN still remains to be determined, however. In this paper we discuss the operative strategy of MVD for patients with coexistent HFS and GN. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. All cases of HFS with or without GN at China-Japan Friendship Hospital from January 2014 to June 2016 have been included. All patients underwent MVD and have been followed up for an average of 1.5 years. RESULTS: A total of 5375 cases of HFS were included, wherein 8 cases coexist with GN. Eight patients had same offending vessel(s) compressing the root entry zone of glossopharyngeal nerve and facial nerve. Posterior inferior cerebellar artery was identified as at least 1 of the offending arteries in all 8 patients. After MVD, spasm ceased in all 8 cases, with 7 cases ceasing immediately and 1 within 2 months. Pain disappeared also in all cases, with 7 cases immediately and 1 case after 4 days. No recurrence or complication was observed during the follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS: HFS combined with ipsilateral GN was rare. MVD could be performed to effectively relieve nerve root compression and associated symptoms for coexistent HFS and GN. Sufficient exposure of root entry zones of both nerves and fully decompression of offending blood vessels and exploratory sequences of different nerve roots are critical points for improving operative effect and reducing complications.